The $3-$5 inspection industry is something I would think the individual wanting more control over their business would avoid. With a few exceptions, it is highly controlled by above with little to no input by the sub. It is a mill philosophy using a minimum wage practices disguised with volume and a one man office on wheels as a gimmick to pull people in. There is no representation and little flexability on the part of the regional. There is nothing you can offer over another inspector other than your willingness to accept the job. Take or leave it is the thumbnail version.
If I wanted to focus and maximize revenues on our own inspections, then yes, we could do it. When you are truly working for yourself, the ladder doesn't stop; it goes as high as you like and spreads out. We currently do enough for three dedicated people if it were a stand alone setup. It is all from existing clients or referral from brokers. One can advertise and get middle man occupancy checks fairly quickly.
You can also get your ASHI certification and make more in one inspection than many do in a month for regionals. Motivation, self confidence, ambition will take you where you want to go. If you do have to solicit locally or make cold calls, don't be afraid of "no". Getting a "thanks but no thanks" is more productive than just sitting in front of the computer monitor waiting to be found. The photo in the previous post isn't meant as an insult; he is the guy that is supposed to make you wonder why you working for XYZ again.
I knew a guy early on that designed and built the most amazing decks. The engineering and detail were top tier, and he took risks in his designs that were worthy of his own tv show. He started out building sheds on a crew. $10 an hour, 60 hours a week half a day Saturdays, plus insurance and the old man would have kept him busy forever. The thing that held him in that job for 6 years was fear of failing at his dream. He decided he wouldn't let ridicule, lack of self confidence, start up money hold him back any longer.
Now, in half the time it took him to make his $700 paycheck, he was building 5 figure decks around a fairly suburban/rural area near Crossville and Nashville, Tn. He isn't Einstein; he uses a simple business formula that entails finding out what works and wears it out.
Set goals, write them out, post dates and work them. Look at them every day. Cross them out as they are accomplished. It builds confidence which breed success.
What is your value? Are you worth $5 a job? $10 per hour? 10% of the job? $500 a day? How you currently answer can reveal a lot.